It’s not too often that inexperience is the strength of a team. But, in the case of Newtown High School’s girls’ cross country squad, perhaps the most threatening part of the lineup lies in the group’s younger runners, including freshmen, according to Coach Doug Russell.

“Our strength is going to be this year’s newcomers,” said Russell, noting that several of athletes in a time trial run last week, as preseason unfolded, were freshmen and sophomores.

That’s not to say the upperclassmen won’t play a huge role in whatever success the Nighthawks experience this autumn.

Senior captains Anna Pickney, Meghan Huwer, Hannah Schwartz, and Kelly Coughlin will be key to wins, as will junior Sarah Mawdsely. Sophomore Erin Tressler, who ran track last year, is new to cross country, and should be a significant contributor as well, Russell believes.

Newtown lost three of its top seven from a year ago, in two-time State Open qualifier Brianne Moulder, as well as Kathryn D’Alessandro and Kiera Elkow. “But I’ve got some strong freshman,” said Russell, waiting to let the top of the newcomers emerge in the regular season before reeling off names of his up-and-comers.

Pomperaug of Southbury could be the toughest team in the South-West Conference, and New Milford and Immaculate of Danbury should also be challenging opponents as Newtown looks to improve on its sixth-place outcome in the conference championships last fall. New Fairfield, meanwhile, also boasts the top runner in the conference, if not the state, Russell says. Gabrielle Richichi, a senior, was the top overall runner in the Class MM state meet a year ago.

Russell always has the goal of winning a conference championship, and would like to see his team perform at a high level in the Class LL state meet. If Newtown can do well enough at the state class level, it can qualify for the State Open as a team, something it hasn’t accomplished in a couple of seasons.

The Newtown coach believes his Nighthawks have a good chance at qualifying for the State Open this year, noting that the team members have an exemplary work ethic.

“It’s a good group of girls who are very committed to doing well this year,” Russell said.

The season began with a visit to Bethel to take on the Wildcats, as well as Stratford and Masuk of Monroe, on Tuesday, September 9. Newtown will compete in the Wilton Invitational on Saturday, September 13. The one and only home meet is an October 7 meet with Bunnell of Stratford, Immaculate of Danbury, and Notre Dame-Fairfield (4:30 pm on the Fairfield Hills trails surrounding Reed Intermediate School).

“We’re going to be competitive this year,” Russell said. “With so many new people, it’s going to be interesting to see how we do. I’m excited about the possibilities.”